Jay Leno reveals friend saved his life during car fire as he suffers third-degree burns
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jay Leno, the famous comedian, and the classic car lover could have "died" in the fire that broke out in his famed Burbank, Los Angeles garage on Saturday, November 12. The former host of 'The Tonight Show' narrowly escaped death but seriously burnt his hands and the left side of his face when there was a gasoline leak. The former host has now credited his buddy Dave, who worked alongside him in the garage for saving his life with his quick thinking.
The 'You Bet Your Life' host told TMZ from his hospital bed that he was working on his 105-year-old, 1907 White Steam Car in his famed garage this past Saturday, fixing a clogged fuel line. He claims there was a fuel leak and that gasoline sprayed on his face and hands. Almost simultaneously, a spark set off an explosion, setting the comedian on fire.
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As already reported, Leno was supposed to appear in the Las Vegas conference which he canceled citing a "serious medical emergency." Financial Forum 2022 was notified about his absence but not much was revealed by his family about the nature of the emergency throwing speculations around his health.
Leno was immediately shifted to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles via ambulance where he is expected to spend almost 5-10 days. Confirming that he was "OK" with serious burn injuries on his hands and face, the comedian first spoke on Monday, November 14 in statements to media outlets. Leo said it will take him around a week or two to "get back on my feet." Social media is also abuzz with prayers for Leno's fast recovery.
As the fire erupted, the report quoting Leno said that his quick-thinking friend Dave who was right there jumped on him, quickly smothering the flames. Dave is the host of his 'Jay Leno's Garage' show on CNBC where he showcases the collection of cars, that kickstarted in 2014.
Leno, 72, has said that he is now dealing with third-degree burns and may need skin grafts, the report added. His eyes and ears did not receive any damage. Meanwhile, Leno has also canceled all of his engagements for two weeks. As per a report, Leno in 2020 claimed that he bought his first car as a teen because he wanted to take nude photos of his then-girlfriend.
Leno's garage as per one interview with Daily Mail has a collection of 189 cars and 168 motorcycles some worth millions of dollars.